In 2023, there were 26 unintentional shootings by children in Indiana who gained access to loaded firearms, according to gun advocacy organization Everytown. Of those 26 shootings, 11 happened in Indianapolis.
Two Marion County organizations are partnering to promote gun safety and give away free lock boxes to gun owners who live in Indianapolis.
The Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition and the Marion County Commission on Youth will offer 200 boxes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 5 to Feb. 9 at the Marion County Commision on Youth, 1375 W. 16th St.
Coalition Coordinator Rebecca McCracken said they wanted to offer an option for those who don’t have a way to secure their firearms at home.
“There is data to support that secure storage can specifically impact most unintentional shootings as well as suicides,” McCracken said.
Each household can receive only one lock box. No ID is required, but recipients must be 18 or older.
Funding for the lock boxes, which are 10 inches by 7 inches by 2 inches, came from an Elevation Grant through the Central Indiana Community Foundation.
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